Sure, oversized sunglasses are all the rage — but they're also better at protecting your eyes from UV rays. Here are more tips to help you find the perfect pair of shades.

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Sunglasses make more than a fashion statement — they also keep your eyes safe from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. That’s why choosing the right sunglasses is an essential part of keeping your eyes healthy.

UV rays can raise your risk of developing eye diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and even cancer of the eye and eyelids, says Richard Shugarman, MD, spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and an ophthalmologist in West Palm Beach, Fla.

“Ultraviolet light is a form of radiation and alters cells,” says Dr. Shugarman. “UV damage is cumulative, so protection must begin early in life, even though the damage may not be apparent until many years later.”

Children in particular may be at risk. “Older people have smaller pupils than young ones, so the younger eye admits more light,” says Shugarman. When you go outside and put on your sunglasses, make sure that your child is wearing his as well.

A Few Ways to Block UV Rays

Sunglasses can block harmful UV radiation and reduce your risk for potentially blinding eye diseases and tumors, but they’re also great at preventing dust, sand, and other airborne particles from getting into your eyes.

Prescription sunglasses offer the same protection as non-prescription glasses, provided that they have equal UV protection and lens size, says Shugarman. Lenses that darken when exposed to light are a good option. “Transitions and other lenses change the degree of color, but not the actual color itself,” says Shugarman. “In the past, they were heavy, slow-acting, and only changed slightly. The newest ones have solved these problems and are very useful in environments and situations where the sunlight and glare change often, such as the golf course, on the water, and getting in and out of the car often.”

Considering contacts that offer UV protection? Doctors say they offer incomplete coverage. “UV protecting contact lenses protect the interior of the eye and are a good idea, but offer no protection to the eyelids, which are common sites for skin cancer,” says Shugarman. So be sure to wear non-corrective sunglasses when your contacts are in.

Tips for Choosing Effective Sunglasses

Look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

Don’t choose sunglasses based on the darkness or color of the lenses. Unless treated, dark lenses do not block out UV rays better than other tints. Read the label instead.

When it comes to sunglasses, bigger is better. Wrap-around shades that offer side protection are especially good choices. “The sun’s rays don’t just come from the front,” says Shugarman. “They can reflect from surfaces such as cars or the water.”

If you do a lot of boating or driving, consider polarized lenses, which are effective at reducing glare.

Remember: Price isn’t an indication of the quality of UV protection. In fact, studies have shown that some costly sunglasses can be less effective at blocking UV rays than less expensive frames. Since there is no uniform labeling of sunglasses, consult your optometrist for advice on choosing the best pair of sunglasses to protect your eyesight.

More Simple Steps for Keeping Your Eyes Safe

Always wear your sunglasses when you’re outside. This is particularly important during peak sunlight hours, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when rays are the strongest. Also, be sure to wear your sunglasses when you’re at higher altitudes, where UV light can be especially intense.

Wear sunglasses even when it’s cloudy. Just as doctors recommend sunscreen on cloudy days, eye care professionals recommend people wear sunglasses even when it isn’t sunny out. That’s because UV rays can penetrate through thin clouds and haze.

A wide-brimmed hat can also help block some UV rays from getting into your eyes.

Wear sunglasses year-round. Your eyesight can be affected by sunlight in any season, not just summer. You need the same protection on the ski slopes in January as you do on the beach in August.

Another bonus to wearing sunglasses: They can help reduce the amount of wrinkles around the eyes. The skin of the eyelids and around the eyes is very thin and susceptible to sun damage. And wearing sunglasses reduces squinting, which can also lead to wrinkles.

By wearing sunglasses that offer effective protection against harmful UV rays, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your eyesight.

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